HC Deb 06 June 1946 vol 423 cc369-70W
76. Lieut.-Commander Hutchison

asked the Secretary of State for War why the release date for officers in Group 30 who are serving in the M.E.F. has been deferred.

Mr. Bellenger

According to the latest information in my possession, 65 out of a total of 251 officers in Group 30 in M.E.F. have had their release deferred. This has been done on grounds of military necessity.

82. Major Symondf

asked the Secretary of State for War how many officers of Group 28 in C.M.F., due for release by 31st May, had not left that theatre by that date; and how deferment of officers in C.M.F. compares in its incidence with deferment in B.A.O R. and the United Kingdom.

Mr. Bellenger

As regards the first part of the Question I would refer my hon. and gallant Friend to the reply given to the hon. Member for Hampstead (Mr. Challen) on Tuesday last. On the latest dates for which figures are available the total number of officers compulsorily deferred represented about.6 per cent. of the total strength of officers in C.M.F. as compared with.6 per cent. in the United Kingdom and.24 per cent. in B.A.O.R.